For more information contact: Taos County Visitor Center P.O. Drawer I - Taos, NM 87571 1-800-732-8267 or 505-758-3873 Fax:   505-758-3872 press@taoschamber.com

The Enchanted Circle: The Heart of Northern New Mexico

The Enchanted Circle contains many surprises. Not the least of these, for those unfamiliar with northern New Mexico, is the diversity of the landscape. This 86-mile trip through the southern Rocky Mountains will dispel any thoughts of New Mexico being strictly a desert state. The circle is anchored by Wheeler Peak, which at 13,161 feet is the highest crest in New Mexico. Taos is the hub of the circle, but you can start your journey from several communities along the way-Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, or Angel Fire-and travel east, west, north, or south.

To begin your enchanted journey in Taos, take Highway 285/68 north from Santa Fe or Highway 68 south from Colorado. Beginning in Taos gives you the benefits of many diverse lodging establishments, restaurants, museums, galleries, and shops. When you are ready, you can begin to leisurely explore the Enchanted Circle. Contact the Taos County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 732-TAOS (800-732-8267) or www.taoschamber.com for more information.

Highlights of the Enchanted Circle traveling east from Taos on Highway 64 include:

Angel Fire: One of the fastest growing towns in New Mexico, the Village of Angel Fire and Angel Fire Resort offer year-round fun for the entire family. The resort offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, an 18-hole golf course, hiking, biking, fishing and much more. There is plenty of lodging in the village, plus fine restaurants. For more information, contact the Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce at (800) 446-8117 or on the web at www.angelfirechamber.org.

Vietnam Veterans National Memorial: Dr. Victor Westfall and his family built the chapel in 1971 to honor his son David, who lost his life in Vietnam in 1968. A 6,000-square-foot Visitors Center has been added, along with many artifacts and photos. The peace and tranquility of the surrounding Moreno Valley add to the power of the messages within the memorial. Call (877) 613-6900 or go to www.vietnamveteransnationalmemorial.org for more information.

Eagle Nest: Eagle Nest Lake and the Village of Eagle Nest lie just a few miles beyond the Vietnam Veterans National Memorial. The lake, a favorite fishing spot for many years, was recently acquired by the state of New Mexico. Historically private, it is now in the public domain. Shopping or staying in the village is like stepping back into the Old West-with modern conveniences, of course. Unique shops and lodges stand ready to assist the sportsman and visitor alike. Contact the Eagle Nest Chamber of Commerce at (800) 494-9117 or www.eaglenest.org for more information.

Elizabethtown: Traveling through the Moreno Valley from Eagle Nest, the next stop is a visit with the ghosts in Elizabethtown. Established as the first incorporated city in New Mexico in the late 1860's, Elizabethtown displayed all of the lawlessness of the better-known mining towns of the era. With the help of a little imagination and the Elizabethtown Museum, one can almost visualize those rowdy days in the Wild West.

Bobcat Pass and the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area: High in the mountains east of Red River, Bobcat Pass offers snowmobile trips, chuck wagon dinners, and the allure of life in the mountains of the Old West. Just down the road, the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area has groomed trails and many unique events aimed at ski enthusiasts. Find out more about Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures at www.bobcatpass.com or the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area at www.enchantedforestxc.com.

Red River: Founded in 1892 and once owned by the notorious gambler, Long John Dunn, Red River now consists of Swiss-style chalets, rustic log cabins, and a family-friendly ski area, with lots of Old West ambiance. This year-round resort offers mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, and off-road vehicle trails. To find out more, call (800) 348-6444 or go to www.redrivernewmex.com.

Questa and the Wild Rivers Recreation Area: The Questa area is loaded with outdoor recreation opportunities and art. Questa's old world charm is evident in its atmosphere and its eateries. It is also the home of an up-and-coming art community, which is represented by Artesanos de Questa. The Wild Rivers Recreation Area, just a few miles to the north, is well known to hikers and mountain bikers alike. For Artesanos de Questa, contact: (505) 586-0443. For the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, call (505) 770-1600.

From the Enchanted Circle route, you can take many side trips, some rugged and for the adventurous, others more tame but still beautiful.

The Taos Ski Valley, a few miles up Highway 150 off the Enchanted Circle offers some of the best skiing in the world. The ski school is rated among the top 10 in the U.S.

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is the second highest suspension bridge in the U.S. Dubbed the "Bridge to Nowhere" when completed in 1965 because no funds were available to build the road to the west, the bridge towers 650 feet above the river.

As you complete your journey through enchantment, don't miss the Taos Pueblo, just northeast of Taos. The pueblo has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years and has been named a World Heritage site.